Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum（重森三玲邸）
A bold fusion of modern garden design and Edo-period tradition in the heart of Kyoto Hidden in Kyoto’s quiet Sakyo Ward, the Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The house itself is a machiya—a wooden townhouse built in 1789, during the late Edo period. In 1943, Mirei Shigemori, one […]
Komyo-in (Tofuku-ji)（光明院）
A Hidden Zen Gem with Shigemori’s Masterpiece Garden Kōmyō-in, a peaceful sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto, was founded in 1391 during the Muromachi period by Kinzan Myōshō, a respected Rinzai Zen monk. Although some temple buildings were destroyed during the anti-Buddhist movement in the Meiji era, the temple was restored by 1911. In 1939, the […]
Zuiho-in (Daitoku-ji)（瑞峯院）
A Zen Garden Rooted in Christian History Zuihō-in, part of the Daitoku-ji temple complex in Kyoto, stands out not only for its striking gardens but also for its unusual origins. It was founded in 1546 by Ōtomo Sōrin, a powerful Christian daimyo, as his family temple. Remarkably, Zuihō-in still preserves its original architecture, having survived […]
Obai-in (Daitoku-ji)（黄梅院）
Daitoku-ji’s Hidden Gem of Moss, Stone, and Autumn Beauty Ōbai-in（黄梅院）is a rarely accessible sub-temple of Daitoku-ji in Kyoto, renowned for its exquisite moss-covered garden—considered one of Japan’s finest. Open only for a few weeks in November, the temple reveals its full charm during the autumn foliage season. Founded in 1562 as Ōbai-an, the temple is […]
Ryoan-ji（龍安寺）
Japan’s Iconic Zen Rock Garden of Mystery and Balance Ryōan-ji is perhaps Japan’s most famous rock garden. The site originally belonged to the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period (794–1185). In 1450, warlord Hosokawa Katsumoto purchased the estate and founded Ryōan-ji temple. After being destroyed in the Ōnin War, the temple was rebuilt by Katsumoto’s […]
Saiho-ji (Koke-dera)（西芳寺 (苔寺)）
Kyoto’s Legendary Moss Temple and Masterpiece of Zen Garden Design The garden of Saihō-ji is considered by many to be Kyoto’s most beautiful garden and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is especially famous for its lush moss garden, which has earned it the popular name Koke-dera (苔寺), or Moss Temple. In […]
Shoren-in（青蓮院）
A historic Tendai temple in Kyoto with two famous gardens and imperial heritage A Kyoto temple of imperial heritage and two historic gardens Shōren-in stands among the five Monzeki temples in Kyoto. These temples traditionally appoint head priests from the imperial family. It belongs to the Tendai sect, one of Japan’s oldest schools of Buddhism. […]
Funda-in (Tofuku-ji)（芬陀院 東福寺）
A Quiet Temple with a Garden by Sesshū Funda-in is a serene sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto, often missed by visitors heading to the main hall or better-known sub-temples. However, those who take the time to explore it are rewarded with historical depth and refined garden design. Founded in 1321 during the Kamakura period, Funda-in […]
The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)（金閣寺 鹿苑寺）
Kyoto’s Iconic Golden Pavilion and Muromachi Garden Masterpiece Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), formally known as Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺), is one of the most famous temples in Japan and a defining symbol of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. The sight of the golden pavilion shimmering above the mirror pond, framed by pine trees and stone islands, creates an image so striking […]
The Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)（銀閣寺 （慈照寺））
The Silver Pavilion and the Spirit of Wabi-Sabi in Kyoto Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺), also known as the Silver Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. Located on the city’s eastern hills, it was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the grandson of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who commissioned the famous Kinkaku-ji. While its golden counterpart shines with opulence, […]